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Techniques to maintain a bloodless field in lower extremity surgery
H A Tarver1, S K Oliver, G J Ramming
1Scott and White Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas.
Orthopedic Nursing
|January 12, 2001
Summary
A calf ankle Esmark bandage provides a safe and effective bloodless surgical field for foot and ankle procedures. This method avoids the increased risks associated with thigh pneumatic tourniquets and general anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Achieving a bloodless surgical field is preferred for foot and ankle surgery.
- Traditional methods include thigh pneumatic tourniquets or lower-leg bandages.
- Pneumatic tourniquets often necessitate general anesthesia, increasing patient risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postoperative complications between thigh pneumatic tourniquets and lower-leg Esmark bandages for foot surgery.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of each method in achieving a bloodless field.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, descriptive study involving 120 patients undergoing foot surgery.
- Data collected on postoperative complications and patient-reported issues.
- Limb assessment performed in the operating room and day surgery settings.
Main Results:
- No adverse effects were observed at the application sites of either the Esmark bandage or the pneumatic tourniquet.
- No unexpected postoperative problems occurred at the surgical sites.
- Patients reported no issues related to the placement of either tourniquet type.
Conclusions:
- A lower-leg Esmark bandage, when adequately padded, is a safe and effective alternative for creating a bloodless surgical field in foot and ankle operations.
- This method offers a viable option to avoid the risks associated with thigh pneumatic tourniquets and general anesthesia.